City seeks donations for fireworks this year

June 11, 2014

SALEM- Anyone wanting to donate to the community's annual fireworks celebration on July 3 can send their contribution to the Salem mayor's office at Salem City Hall.

"We've had great response to our request to supply the capital necessary for this great community function," Mayor John Berlin said.

Following the tradition set by his predecessor, the mayor sends out letters to prior donors and businesses to solicit funds for the pre-Fourth of July fireworks show staged annually by the Pyrotechnico Fireworks Company of New Castle, Pa.

The cost is $8,450 and so far about $4,000 has been collected for the 2014 show. The fireworks have been held on the day before the holiday for several years since it costs less than a show on the actual holiday.

The fireworks show will take place at Waterworth Memorial Park shortly after dusk (after it gets dark). According to what Berlin could find, dusk should take place around 9:32 p.m. on July 3, which is a Thursday. The rain date will be Saturday July 5.

Donations last year exceeded the cost by a few hundred dollars, with that extra money remaining in the fund to help cover this year's display. There are different levels of donation, but any donation of any amount will be accepted, appreciated and recognized. A list of all the donors is placed on a sign at the park. Due to the weather, last year's sign ended up in front of city hall.

Contributions come from a variety of sources, including businesses, individuals and organizations. Council members collect from among themselves for a group donation and other city officials also donate. It's a community event paid for by the community.

Checks can be made to the city of Salem, with 2014 fireworks noted on the memo line, and sent to Salem City Hall, 231 S. Broadway Ave., Salem, Ohio 44460, attention Debbie Bricker. Donations will also be accepted in person in the mayor's office on the second floor of Salem City Hall.